The Austrian Automobile Club recently tested reflective vests used in emergency roadside situations, such as unexpected car breakdowns. The findings were concerning: many vests showed minimal or no light reflection, rendering them nearly invisible at night. This creates a false sense of security for users during nighttime breakdowns, accidents, or for pedestrians and cyclists seeking visibility in the dark.   

While reflective vests provided by car manufacturers proved reliable, the primary issue arose with online-purchased models. Of 25 tested vests, only 10 passed the safety evaluation, with 15 failing to meet reflection standards. Among 20 online-ordered models, only a small fraction offered adequate visibility, whereas all 5 vests purchased anonymously from physical stores met quality standards. This indicates that 75% of online-purchased vests were unsafe.   

To ensure safety, consumers should check for compliance with EN ISO 20471 (adult vests) or EN 17353 (children’s vests) when buying online. Physical store-bought vests typically have these labels sewn into the fabric. A simple test using a flashlight or phone flash can help: at eye level, the vest should reflect white light from approximately three meters away. High-quality vests remain visible from over 100 meters by low-beam headlights at night; non-reflective ones reduce visibility to just a few meters, posing serious risks.   

Notably, poor-quality vests are often not cheaper—many even cost more than compliant models, highlighting the importance of prioritizing certification over price.